Whs Pub Cs001

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Guidel ine fo r Developing a Code

of Prac t ic e for Conf ined Spac e

Entry

I n t roduc t ion

Part 5 of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Coderequires an employer to have a written Code of Practice for the

procedures to be followed when a worker enters a confined space.

This Bulletin provides guidance to employers, supervisors, contractors

and workers about how to prepare a code of practice for confinedspace entry to meet the requirements of the OHS legislation. This

Bulletin does not provide procedures for confined space entry.

Resources are provided at the end of this Bulletin to assist with this.

What is a “ Conf ined Spac e” ?

Alberta’s OHS Code defines a confined space as:

“A confined space means a restricted space which may become

hazardous to a worker entering it because of

(a) an atmosphere that is or may be injurious by reason of oxygen

deficiency or enrichment, flammability, explosivity or toxicity,

(b) a condition or changing set of circumstances within the space that

presents a potential for injury or illness, or

(c) the potential or inherent characteristics of an activity which can produce adverse or harmful consequences within the space.”

CS001 — Confined Space 1Revised – June 2009

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A restricted space is defined “as an enclosed or partially enclosed

space, not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy, that

has a restricted, limited or impeded means of entry or exit because of

its construction.”

A restricted space can be thought of as a work area in which the only

hazard is the difficulty in getting into and out of the space — all other

hazards have been eliminated or controlled in accordance with Part 2of the OHS Code. Examples of restricted spaces may include building

attics, below-ground vaults and some crawl spaces in buildings. Keep

in mind that a restricted space can become a confined space if conditions or work practices change.

A worker is considered to have “entered” a confined space when his or

her breathing zone crosses the plane of the confined space access.

A confined space can be found at almost any work site. Crawl spaces,

cramped mechanical rooms, mezzanine areas, plumbing or electricalvaults, cargo containers and attic spaces can all fit within the definition

of a confined space, depending on the design, access and work

activities taking place. Figure 1 can help readers decide if an areameets the definition of a confined space.

Even if confined space entry is done frequently at the work site,

confined spaces are not considered sites for ongoing or regular work

activities. Confined spaces have a restricted means of entry and exit.Entry and exit points are not usually designed for easy walk in. Other

limitations include access by ladders or by stairways that are steep,

narrow or very long. Physical obstructions such as bulkheads, piping

or machinery may get in the way of exit. Limited means of entry andexit not only make escape or rescue difficult, but can also affect air

quality in the confined space.

Confined spaces usually have poor natural ventilation and contain, or

may contain, a dangerous atmosphere. Poor ventilation can be the

result of unpredictable or limited air movement or air currents thatdraw contaminated air into the space. Dangerous atmospheres are most

often associated with spaces that are fully enclosed such as tanks and

vats. However, pits, trenches and vessels that are open topped can also

contain a dangerous atmosphere. The dangerous atmosphere can resultfrom the entry of a gas that is heavier than air, the release of gas(es)

from wastes at the bottom of the space being disturbed, or the presence

of a layer of air above the space that prevents fresh air from movinginto it.

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Figure 1: Is It a Confined Space?

Confined Space?

NOT ACONFINED

SPACE

Is the space enclosed orpartially enclosed?

Was the space designed or intendedfor continuous human occupancy?

Does the space have a restricted, limitedor impeded means of entry or exit?

Does the space contain a hazardous atmosphere?

Are there conditions in the space that present a potentialfor injury?

Is there an activity being conducted inside or outside the spacewhich may effect the health and safety of workers inside thespace?

NO

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

CONFINEDSPACE

OR

OR

RESTRICTEDSPACE

NO

YES


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What is a “ Code o f Prac t ice”

A code of practice is a document that describes the procedures to be

followed to ensure that workers safely perform work in a confined

space. Section 33 of the OHS Act requires a code of practice to

include “ practical guidance on the requirements of the regulations or

the adopted code applicable to the work site, safe working procedures

in respect of the work site and other matters as required by a Director,

the regulations or the adopted code”. Section 8 of the OHS

Regulation requires that the code of practice be in writing and

available to workers at the work site who are affected by it.

Workers should be consulted about the content of the code of practice

as they often have the best understanding of the hazards involved inthe work. The help of health and safety professionals such as

occupational hygienists or engineers is also useful when preparing thecode of practice, especially for complex situations. The code of

practice must identify all existing and potential confined space work

locations at a work site so that workers can be made aware of unexpected hazards and reminded that special health and safety

requirements apply. The code of practice must be maintained and

periodically reviewed to ensure that its procedures are up-to-date andcontinues to reflect the work activities for which it was originally

written.

Develop ing a Code of Pract ic e for

Conf ined Spac e Ent ry

There are three basic steps in preparing a code of practice for confinedspace entry:

(1) Identify confined spaces at the work site(2) Identify hazards in the confined spaces

(3) Develop the code of practice

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(1) Ident i fy Conf ined Spaces at the Work Si te

Confined spaces can be found at almost any workplace. The first stepto preparing a code of practice for confined space entry is to inspectthe workplace and identify all confined spaces that workers may be

required to enter for planned or unplanned maintenance or in an

emergency. The flowchart shown in Figure 1 can be used as a tool tohelp decide if the area is a confined space.

(2) Ident i fy Hazards in the Conf ined Spaces

To prepare a code of practice, the hazards present in the confined

spaces must be known. When assessing the hazards that workers are

likely to be exposed to in a confined space, the requirements of Part 2of the OHS Code, Hazard Assessment, Elimination and Control, must

be met. The hazard assessment needs to be reviewed on a regular basis

and revised if conditions change at the work site, when new work processes are introduced or work processes or operations change. The

employer must involve workers who may be affected by the hazards in

the hazard assessment process.

Hazards in confined spaces generally fall within four categories:

Atmospheric

Safety

Work-related Human factors

A work sheet is provided in Appendix 1 that can be used to help

conduct the hazard assessment.

Atmospheric hazards

These include:

explosive gases or vapours,

toxic gases or vapours,

oxygen level content, fumes,

dusts,

mists,

smoke, or

biological contaminants (e.g. animal droppings or mould).

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Vibration (e.g. equipment or tools may cause vibration, such as

impact hammers, motors, etc.)

Radiation (e.g. ultraviolet or infrared sources from welding,

cutting or brazing, x-ray systems used for inspection andmonitoring)

Work-related hazards

Examples include hot work, use of chemicals such as paints or

cleaners, sandblasting, grinding, noise and cutting.

Human factor hazards

Some workers may have phobias (e.g. claustrophobia, fear of

heights) that could interfere with their ability to work in a confinedspace. The use of bulky personal protective equipment (especially

respirators) can also cause heat stress and fatigue.

The physical condition of workers may also be a factor in cases

where there are temperature extremes or the work is physically

demanding. As a result, some workers may not be suited for work in confined spaces. The employer should consider the physical

condition of the workers during the hazard assessment process.

Fitness-to-work assessments should be done by a qualified

professional to ensure it is safe for workers to perform work in a

confined space.

(3) Develop the Code of Pract ic e

A code of practice for confined space entry contains more than justprocedures for doing the entry itself. The code of practice must also

include the following sections, as appropriate.

Description of confined space(s) at the work site

Reasons for work involving entry into confined spaces

Identification of hazards that may be present in the confined

space(s)

Worker training requirements Entry permit system

Procedures for each type of confined space entry and the work

inside the confined space

Testing the atmosphere

Ventilation, purging and inerting

Isolation of hazardous substances and energy

Emergency response

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Roles and responsibilities of the tending worker

Recordkeeping requirements

A code of practice worksheet is provided in Appendix 2.

Generally, a code of practice is specific to a particular confined space.

However, if the hazards for the confined spaces at the work site are

similar and require similar procedures for entry, the employer candevelop one generic code of practice that applies to all confined space

entries at that workplace. An example of this would be for a tank farm

with tanks containing hydrocarbons. If there are a number of differenttypes of confined spaces with different work procedures and hazards,

then the employer can either prepare one code of practice that

addresses everything, or several shorter codes of practice that address

each different type of confined space entry.

Descr ip t ion o f con f ined spaces a t the

w o rk s i t e

This section includes a complete list of all of the confined spaces at the

work site to which the code of practice applies.

Reasons fo r w ork invo lv ing ent ry in to

conf ined spaces

This section describes the circumstances when confined space entry is

required, for example maintenance work or emergency response. The

specific tasks that are to be completed are listed and described, the

tools and equipment to be used, as well as any chemicals or cleanersthat may be required.

Typical reasons for entering a confined space include

cleaning,

inspecting process equipment,

maintenance, tapping, coating, wrapping and testing underground piping

systems,

installing, inspecting, repairing, and replacing, valves, piping,

pumps, motors, etc. in below ground pits and vaults, checking and reading meters, gauges, dials, charts and other

measuring instruments, and

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rescuing workers who are injured, incapacitated or overcome whileinside a confined space.

Iden t i f i ca t ion o f hazards tha t may be

present in t he con f ined space

For every confined space, the employer must evaluate each hazard that

workers may be exposed to. For each hazard, the employer mustidentify the controls used to protect workers. For example, inerting or

purging may be used to displace flammable or toxic gases or vapours.

Mechanical ventilation may be provided to improve the air quality inthe space. Or workers may be required to use particular tools or

protective equipment.

Worker t ra in ing requ i rement s

Confined space work requires an effective training program to ensure

that everyone understands the hazards and safe work procedures.

Training must be provided for those who supervise workers, those whoperform the work, tending workers and rescue personnel. Training

may be provided at the work site or in classrooms using in-house or

external trainers. The code of practice may contain the specific

training requirements for confined space entry work, or it mayreference other employer documents that address worker training.

The code of practice should document:

(1) Requirements for trainer competency

Trainers must be “competent” and have a thorough workingknowledge in

the confined space associated with the work activity,

hazards involved,

safe work procedures,

how to test and monitor the atmosphere in the confined space,

safety equipment required,

first aid requirements, and

emergency response and rescue.

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(2) Requirements for worker trainingThis will vary depending on the tasks of different workers, but

must at least include safe work procedures for entry into the confined space,

safe work procedures for working inside the confined space,

hazard recognition,

content of the entry permit,

how to properly use the control measures in place to protect

workers (engineering controls, administrative controls and

personal protective equipment), and

what to do for first aid and in an emergency.

(3) Requirements for training workers who will administer first aid and

conduct emergency response and rescue. The rescue portion of thistraining can be part of a company overall emergency preparedness

and response plan, but must address how to safely remove injured

or ill workers from a potentially hazardous confined space.

(4) Requirements for evaluating worker training and follow-up

Ent ry permi t sys tem

A confined space entry permit is a document that sets out the work to

be done and the precautions to be taken. It functions as a checklist to

ensure that the requirements in the code of practice have beenaddressed. The code of practice describes the entry permit system that

is used at the work site. The employer may use a generic format, if

confined spaces are similar and have similar hazards, but a specificseparate permit must be issued for each confined space entry. An

example of an entry permit is shown in Appendix 3.

The entry permit must contain at a minimum

a list naming each worker who enters the confined space and the

reason for their entry,

the location of the confined space,

the time period for which the entry permit is valid, the work being done in the confined space,

the safety precautions that must be taken,

the code of practice requirements for entering, being in and leaving

the confined space, and

the signature of a competent person.

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Work procedures fo r con f ined space

en t ry

This section includes a detailed description of the work procedures to

be used for each type of confined space entry.

Test ing the a tm osphere

This section details who may test the atmosphere prior to entry of aconfined space and the detailed procedures to be used (substances to

be checked for, circumstances when continuous monitoring is

required, instruments to be used, calibration of the instruments, howoften measurements are to be taken and recordkeeping).

Vent i lat ion, purging and iner t i ng

The code of practice must contain a description of when ventilation,

purging or inerting are required and the specific procedures andmaterials to be used. If ventilation is to be used, the code of practice

must describe how workers will be alerted should the system fail.

Iso la t ion

It is important to ensure, as much as possible, that the confined spaceis isolated prior to entry. This is done to prevent materials fromcoming into the space via pipelines or vents and to ensure that

equipment inside the space does not start up while the worker is inside

e.g. locked out. Requirements in Part 15 of the OHS Code, Managing

the Control of Hazardous Energy, must be met. The code of practice

must include a detailed description of the procedures to be followed to

isolate the confined space.

Emergency response

The OHS Code requires that a worker not enter a confined spaceunless an effective rescue can be carried out. These rescue procedures

are specific to what must be done in the event of an emergency in a

confined space (e.g. responding to a spill in a confined space, fire orrescue of an injured worker). Using a 9-1-1 service by itself is not

enough to meet this requirement. A list of the rescue equipment

(including protective equipment) for first aiders and rescue workers,should be detailed. Part 7 of the OHS Code requires that workers who

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are assigned to rescue and evacuation are properly trained and this

training must include simulation of potential emergencies.

Tending work er

The role of the tending worker is to monitor the safety of the person(s)

working inside the confined space and to take action if an emergency

arises. The code of practice must describe when a tending worker isrequired and the duties of that worker during the confined space entry.

The code of practice must also detail the actions the tending worker

will take in the event of an emergency.

Recor d keeping

Employers must keep records for work in confined spaces, includingentry permits and test results. The code of practice should indicate

which records are to be kept, how long records are to be retained and

when follow-up activities are required.

Resources

http://industry.alberta.ca/whs-ohs

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Legislation

www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/confined.pdf Safe Working in a Confined Space

www.orosha.org/pdf/pubs/2864.pdf

They’re Not Designed to be Occupied!

http://employment.alberta.ca/documents/WHS/WHS-PUB_ch037.pdf

Sewer Entry Guidelines

http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/

assets/pdf/confined_space_entry_bk84.pdf

Confined Space Entry Program, A Reference Manual





http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/confined_space_entry_bk84.pdf







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http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/pdf/codes/confinedspaceentry.pdf

Code of Practice for Confined Space Entry Work

Rekus JF. Complete Confined Spaces Handbook . National Safety Council, LewisPublishers, Ann Arbor; 1994.




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Appendix 1

Confined Space Hazards Assessment Work Sheet

Location of work: _________________________________________________________

Description of tasks to be completed: ______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Entry date: __________________________ Yes No

Atmospheric Hazards

Explosive atmosphere (gases, vapours, fine dusts) Oxygen deficiency Oxygen enrichment Toxic gases or vapours Dusts, mists, fumes Smoke Biological agents Other

If yes to 1 or more of the above, specify atmospheric hazards _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Safety HazardsEntry/Exit

Small/narrow openings

Steep openings Entry/Exit at height Angled openings Exits into traffic or machinery

Machinery/mechanical equipment Piping and distribution systems Residual chemicals or materials Pressure systems Electrical hazards Poor Visibility Physical obstacles Walking/working surfaces Temperature extremes

Heat stress Cold stress

Humidity Noise

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Yes No

Vibration Radiation

Type: __________________________________________

Other Type: __________________________________________

Work Related Hazards

Hot work Type: _____________________________________________

Sandblasting Bonding operations Grinding Cutting Use of solvents, corrosive chemicals or cleaners Use of paint/spray painting Repairs If yes, describe ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Installation If yes, describe ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Inspection If yes, describe ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Emergency rescue/first aid Other

Type: _____________________________________________

Human Factors

Comments:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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Appendix 2

Code of Practice Work Sheet

Date: ______________________________

Company Name: _____________________________________________________________

Work Site: __________________________________________________________________

Confined Space Location: ______________________________________________________

Confined Space Identification Number: _______________

Code of Practice Prepared By: __________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________ Telephone Number: ___________________

Description of the Confined Space:

Task to be Completed in the Confined Space:

Description of Hazards:

Atmospheric: _________________________________________________________________

Safety: ______________________________________________________________________

Work Procedures: ______________________________________________________________

Human Factors: _______________________________________________________________

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Worker Training Requirements

How many workers are required to complete the work: _________________

Describe worker training requirements/ courses: ______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Entry Permit

Attach sample form.

Work Procedures

1. Testing the atmosphereTest for: ___________________________________________________________

Equipment: ________________________________________________________

Equipment calibration: ________________________________________________

Test frequency:

Before entry ______________________

During entry ______________________

After entry ______________________

Other : ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

2. Entry into the confined space

Who is authorized to enter?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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Entry/exit procedure:

3. Description of work to be done in confined space:

4. List of required tools and equipment:

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5. Required personal protective equipment:

Respiratory Protective Equipment Type __________________________

Protective Clothing Type __________________________

Footwear Type __________________________

Headwear Type __________________________

Protective Eyewear Type __________________________

Gloves Type _____________________

Other

If other describe:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

6. Traffic hazardsYes No

Are there any traffic hazards related to this confined space entry?

If yes, describe controls:

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Ventilation, Purging, Inerting, IsolationYes No

Ventilation If yes, describe procedures to be used:

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Yes No

Purging If yes, describe procedures to be used:

Yes No

Inerting If yes, describe procedures to be used:

Yes No

Isolation If yes, describe procedures to be used:

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Emergency Response Procedures:

Emergency Contact Numbers: ____________________________ _________________________

____________________________ _________________________

Describe emergency procedures:

List of rescue equipment (include personal protective equipment for rescue workers):

Required training and recordkeeping procedures:

Recordkeeping:

Code of Practice reviewed by: _________________________________________________

Code of Practice update frequency: ____________________________________________

When is the confined space entry done? ___________________ Frequency: ___________

Describe incidents that have occurred in connection with this confined space entry:

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Has emergency rescue been required during an entry?

Actions taken to prevent future incidents:

Other comments:

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Appendix 2:

Glossary of Term s

Dust - Solid particles in the air. Dusts can be created by the grinding or crushing of hard

materials or the dispersion of powders in the air.

Fume - A fume is created by a material that is solid at room temperature. It is asuspension of very fine particles of the solid, produced by condensation from the air

which is super-saturated by vapour from the material. Most commonly, fumes areproduced in the air above molten metal, and can be found when metal is welded, ground

or cut.

Inerting - Process of introducing a substance into a confined space, usually an inert gas,such as nitrogen, to render the contaminants present non-reactive, preventing fire or

explosion hazards.

Mist - Formed from a material that is a liquid at room temperature; it is a suspension of the liquid’s droplets in air. Mists are created by bubbling, boiling, spraying, splashing or

otherwise disturbing a liquid.

Purging - Method of removing contaminants from a confined space by using liquids

(water) or non-flammable gases (carbon dioxide or nitrogen)

Oxygen Deficiency - Air containing less than 19.5% oxygen by volume

Oxygen Enrichment - Air containing more than 23% oxygen by volume

Vapour - Formed from a material that is normally a liquid at room temperature. Mostsolvents form vapours, the amount of vapour formed depends on how volatile the

substance is.

Ventilation - Method of forcing air into a confined space using a mechanical device.

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Appendix 3

Location and Description of Confined Spaces Purpose of Entry

Scheduled a.m.Start ___________________________ p.m.

Day Date Time

Scheduled a.m.Start ___________________________ p.m.

Day Date Time

Worker(s) in charge of entry: Entrants Attendants

Pre-Entry Authorization (Check those items below which are applicable to your confined space entry permit)

Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere Oxygen-Enriched Atmosphere Welding/cutting

Engulfment Toxic Atmosphere Flammable Atmosphere

Energized Electric Equipment Entrapment Hazardous Chemical


CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT Permit number _________ Date: _______

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Self-Contained BreathingApparatus

Air-Line Respirator Flame Resistant Clothing Ventilation

Protective Gloves

Linelines Respirators Lockout/Tagout Fire Extinguishers Barricade Job Area

Signs Posted Clearance Secured Lighting Ground Fault Interrupter

Remarks _____________________________________________________________________

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Tests to be taken Date/Time Re-Testing Date/TimeOxygen _________________ % ____________a/p Oxygen ____________________% __________ a/pLower Explosive Limit _______% ____________a/p Lower Explosive Limit _________% __________ a/pToxic Atmosphere _____________________________ Toxic Atmosphere _____________________________ Instruments Used _____________________________ Instruments Used _____________________________

Worker conducting safety checks signature _______________________________________________

Remarks on the overall condition of the confined space:

ENTRY AUTHORIZATION – All actions and/or conditions for safe entry have been performed

Person in charge of entry ______________________________________________________________ Please print

ENTRY CANCELLATION – Entry has been completed and all entrants have left the space

Person in charge of entry ______________________________________________________________ Please print

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Contact us:

Province-Wide Contact Centre

Edmonton & surrounding

area:

(780) 415-8690

Throughout Alberta:

1-866-415-8690

Deaf or hearing impaired In Edmonton: (780) 427-9999 or

1-800-232-7215

throughout Alberta

Web Site

www.worksafely.org

Getting copies of OHS Act, Regulation & Code:

Queen’s Printer

www.qp.gov.ab.ca

Edmonton (780) 427-4952

Workplace Health and Safety http://industry.alberta.ca/whs-ohs

Call any Government of Alberta office toll-free

Dial 310-0000, then the area code and telephone number you want to reach

© 2009-2010, Government of Alberta, Employment and Immigration

This material may be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted for non-commercial purposes. The source of this material must be

acknowledged when publishing or issuing it to others. This material is not to be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted forcommercial purposes without written permission from the Government of Alberta, Employment and Immigration. This material is to

be used for information purposes only no warranty express or implied is given as to the accuracy or the timeliness of the material

presented. In case of any inconsistency between this document and the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, the legislation will

always prevail.

CS001 — Confined Space 26R i d J

http://www.worksafely.org/


http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/








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